The CEO Project Podcast cover art

The CEO Project Podcast

The CEO Project Podcast

By: Jim Schleckser
Listen for free

About this listen

Want to build a great business? The CEO Project Podcast and host Jim Schleckser brings proven tools and techniques to scale your business. Each episode dives deep into a critical business topic for CEOs of mid to large-sized firms.The Lazy CEO Podcast (c) 2022 Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Why Prison Bosses and Entrepreneurs Excel at Getting Things Done
    Apr 20 2026

    What if getting things done wasn't about more strategy—but about the same high-stakes instincts used by prison bosses to survive and lead?

    You're busy, pulled in a hundred directions, and still expected to deliver results that matter. This episode flips the script on productivity by showing you how real execution happens under pressure—where decisions aren't theoretical, and hesitation has consequences. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or as if your team isn't truly executing, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, priorities, and impact.

    • Learn how to sharpen your decision-making so you can act faster and with more confidence—even when the stakes are high
    • Discover how to read people and situations more effectively to drive better outcomes and avoid costly missteps
    • Understand what it really takes to build a culture of execution—not just ideas—so your team actually gets things done

    Hit play now to discover a radically different approach to getting things done—and start executing at a level most leaders never reach.

    Check out:

    • [08:45] – Turning "Purpose" into Real Impact
      Andre breaks down why most corporate giving falls flat—and how a simple 5% shift can create meaningful, measurable change.
    • [24:10] – Prison Boss vs. CEO: The Truth About Execution
      A powerful comparison showing how high-stakes environments force clarity, speed, and accountability—and what leaders can learn from it.
    • [41:30] – The Gravestone Test for Better Decisions
      A memorable framework for aligning your daily actions with what actually matters in the long run.

    About Andre Norman

    Andre Norman is a globally renowned transformational speaker, strategist, and consultant revolutionizing correctional systems worldwide. As the founder of Second Chance University, a program designed to give access and inspiration to people seeking to improve their lives, Andre embodies resilience and innovation. As a former Harvard University fellow and collaborator with prestigious institutions worldwide, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his engagements.

    Through dynamic presentations, practical strategies, and his personal journey overturning an over 105-year prison sentence to becoming a Harvard Fellow, Andre empowers audiences to overcome obstacles, navigate change, and unlock their true potential. His profound impact, global reach, and unwavering dedication make him a trusted expert for personal and professional transformation.

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Simple Ways to Manage Your Money and Start Building Wealth Today
    Apr 13 2026

    Are you managing your money in a way that actually increases your business worth and helps you start building wealth—or just riding the market rollercoaster and hoping for the best?

    You already know money impacts everything—from your stress levels to your long-term freedom—but most advice out there still pushes outdated strategies that leave you exposed when markets shift. In this episode, you'll hear how the "smart money" thinks differently, so you can protect what you've built while still growing it with confidence.

    By listening, you'll learn how to:

    • Build a stronger financial foundation that protects your downside during market swings
    • Shift from outdated investment models to smarter, more strategic wealth-building approaches
    • Use legal, strategic tax planning to keep more of what you earn and accelerate wealth growth

    Hit play now to discover how to start building wealth with smarter strategies that help you grow and protect your money at the same time.

    Check out:

    • (02:30) – Why money is the #1 source of stress—and how improving your financial strategy can directly impact your quality of life
    • (11:45) – The truth about the "60/40 portfolio" and why relying on it could be putting your wealth at risk
    • (24:10) – How the wealthy legally minimize taxes—and the missed opportunities that could be costing you millions

    About Mark Miller

    Mark Miller, known for his work with Lead Every Day, is a highly respected leadership expert, longtime corporate executive, and best-selling author recognized for his practical, research-driven approach to leadership. He spent more than four decades at Chick-fil-A, starting as an hourly team member and ultimately serving as Vice President of High Performance Leadership, where he played a key role in building and scaling the company's leadership culture through proven, heavily invested development practices. Today, he is the co-founder of Lead Every Day, a platform dedicated to delivering daily leadership insights, coaching, speaking, and content—including a podcast and books focused on actionable leadership frameworks. As a Wall Street Journal and international best-selling author with over one million books sold in more than 25 languages, Miller is known for emphasizing simple, consistent leadership disciplines that drive performance at every level of an organization.

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Why Every CEO Must Empower Their Team to Unlock Hidden Growth Potential
    Apr 6 2026

    Are you fully tapping your company's growth potential, or are hidden gaps in talent, culture, and client strategy quietly holding you back?

    If you're leading a services-based business, or any company where people are the product, you know how hard it is to scale without burning out your team or losing your edge. This episode hits right at that tension: how to grow sustainably when hiring is tough, AI is reshaping roles, and your culture has to do more than just sound good; it has to work. You'll hear how a CEO is navigating these exact challenges in real time, so you can pressure-test your own approach.

    Here's what you'll walk away with:

    • A clearer way to think about sustainable growth by focusing on clients as long-term partners—not just one-off revenue

    • Practical insight into retaining top talent and building a culture people actually want to stay in

    • A grounded perspective on how AI should augment your team without undermining your future workforce

    Press play now to uncover a smarter, people-first approach to scaling your business—and start unlocking your true growth potential today.

    Check out:

    • [00:03:00] Employee ownership & culture as a growth driver
      Why putting employees first—and giving them ownership—directly fuels retention, engagement, and long-term growth potential.

    • [00:11:00] AI's real impact on productivity and hiring
      A practical breakdown of how AI is reducing task time (hours → minutes) and what that means for staffing, efficiency, and future roles.

    • [00:16:00] Managing utilization in an employee-owned firm
      A candid look at how to balance profitability, transparency, and team buy-in when your people are also your shareholders.

    About Carrie Stokes

    Carrie Stokes, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Barge Design Solutions. With nearly three decades of leadership experience, she is committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth that empowers employees, strengthens client relationships, and enhances communities.

    Stokes began her career at Barge as a student intern and steadily advanced through key leadership roles, including serving as the firm's inaugural Chief of Staff. She has led Barge's largest division, played a key role in shaping its five-year strategic growth plan, and has served as a member of the board of directors since 2015. In 2025, she was appointed CEO, becoming the first woman to lead the company in its 70-year history. As CEO, she is focused on strengthening enterprise systems, expanding leadership development, fostering innovation, and enhancing the company's employee-owned culture.

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
No reviews yet